Setup guide

How to add an M3U playlist on your Mac

To add an M3U playlist to Streamr, open the app, choose M3U link (or M3U file), paste the playlist URL from your provider or drop in the .m3u file, and click Connect. Streamr sorts it into Live TV, Sports, Movies and Series in about a minute.

What do you need?

  • An M3U or M3U8 playlist link or file from your TV provider
  • Optional: an XMLTV guide URL
  • A Mac running macOS 15 Sequoia or later
  • Streamr

M3U links and files come from your TV provider. Streamr doesn’t sell or provide playlists.

Steps

  1. Download and open Streamr

    Download Streamr, open the disk image and drag Streamr into Applications. Open it from Applications. Your 7-day trial starts right away, with no account needed.

  2. Choose M3U link or M3U file

    On the welcome screen, click Get started, then choose M3U link for a playlist URL or M3U file for a .m3u or .m3u8 file saved on your Mac. Adding a second playlist later? Open Settings (⌘,) › Playlists and click Add playlist….

  3. Paste the link or drop in the file

    For a link, paste it into Playlist URL. It usually ends in .m3u or .m3u8, or contains get.php. If it’s an Xtream-style link, Streamr offers to connect through the Xtream API instead, which adds posters, plots, season lists and catch-up and works even when the provider blocks M3U downloads. For a file, drag it onto the window or click Choose file….

  4. Add a guide and name (optional)

    Give the playlist a name or keep the suggested one. Under Advanced, add a TV Guide (XMLTV) URL if your provider gave you one, or a User agent if they require a specific one.

  5. Click Connect

    Streamr loads the playlist with live progress, sorts it into Live TV, Sports, Movies and Series, and caches it so later launches open instantly and refresh in the background.

  6. Pick your countries and start watching

    Under What do you want to see? Streamr lists the countries and regions it found in your playlist. Click any you don’t watch to hide them, then click Start watching. You can change this anytime in Settings › Content Filters.

A link, if you have one. Streamr refreshes a linked playlist in the background, so new channels show up on their own, and a link syncs to your other Macs when you’re signed in. A file is a fixed copy: it stays on the Mac you added it to (only its name syncs), and you add it again when your provider sends a new one.

Then it’s an Xtream Codes link, and Streamr spots it. Leave This is an Xtream Codes link switched on to connect through the Xtream API: you get posters, plots, season lists and catch-up, and it works even when the provider blocks M3U downloads. See adding Xtream Codes.

How do I get a TV guide with an M3U playlist?

If your provider gave you an XMLTV (EPG) URL, add it under Advanced › TV Guide (XMLTV) URL when you add the playlist, or later in Settings › TV Guide. See TV guide and catch-up.

Why won’t my M3U playlist load?

Make sure the whole link was pasted, with nothing cut off at the end, and that it opens in a browser. Some providers only allow certain apps: if yours requires a specific user agent, set it under Advanced › User agent. If the link contains get.php, try the Xtream option. More fixes on the support page.

Ready when you are.

Download Streamr, paste your playlist, and your channels are ready in about a minute.

Download for MacSee pricing

7-day trial on every Mac · Then $29 a year for up to 10 devices · Requires macOS 15 Sequoia or later